Agriculture

Division: Agriculture

The COS Agriculture Division believes in the value of providing a well rounded student experience and the importance of preparing students for industry through hands-on education. The Agriculture Division has areas of study to support local industries and to prepare a student for transfer to a 4-year degree program.   Those study areas include:  

The  Division provides multiple study options including Certificates, Associate’s Degrees, and Transfer Degrees. COS is committed to being your FIRST choice on your educational journey. The Agriculture Division stresses quality teaching through formal classroom lecture, engaging discussions, and hands-on laboratory activities at our 360-acre farm, horticulture laboratory, and animal science laboratories. The Agriculture Division has multiple student-led organizations, which offer opportunities to get involved and engaged outside of the classroom through field trips to local industry partners, regional competitions and other student leadership development events.

Agriculture Division webpage: cos.edu/ag

Contact Information

Agriculture Division Chair

Shannan Cooper | (559) 688-3118 | shannanc@cos.edu 
Building B: B106 | Tulare Campus

Provost - Tulare Campus and Dean of Agriculture  

C. Louann Waldner, Ph.D. | (559) 688-3050 | louannw@cos.edu 
Building A: A109 | Tulare Campus 

Associate Degrees (including Transfer) and Certificates 

Only those courses with an AG (Agriculture) Prefix are listed here.   For all courses within the Ag Division CLICK HERE OR for  a complete list of all COS courses and descriptions visit: COURSES 

AG 001 AG, Society, & the Environment 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
The sociology of agriculture (Ag) is presented through examination of relationships between societies and their environments, economics and Ag. Emphasis is on analysis of agriculture's use of technology and the corresponding impact on the environment, economy, and society.
AG 002 Environmental Conservation 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
A study of the world's environment, including the study of food and fiber systems, ecology, populations, environmental pollution, bioterrorism, and conservation of natural resources. Students will participate in field tours to examine natural and altered habitats and threats to society and the environment.
AG 003 Economic Entomology 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
1 Lab
The study of the insects and mites of economic importance to agriculture, including morphology, taxonomy, identification, life cycles, hosts, habitat relationships, and control methods. Collection and labeling of specimens will be required. Laboratory required. Recommended for Pest Control Advisors' licensing. (C-ID AG-PS 144L)
AG 004 Soil Science 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
1 Lab
This is an agricultural science course that provides basic knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. It includes soil-forming factors, plant-soil-water relationships, soil pH and salinity, plant nutrition, fertilizers, and soil conservation.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: PLSI 001 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C. (C-ID AG-PS128L)
AG 107 Agriculture Education Orientation 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
1 Lab
This course is an overview of Agriculture Education in California. Through class instruction and field experience, students will learn the principle components of teaching agriculture; develop academic and career plans; and observe a secondary agriculture classroom.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ENGL 261 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C or eligibility for ENGL 001 as determined by COS Placement Procedures; ENGL 001 may be taken concurrently.
AG 110 Ag Leadership 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
1 Lab
This course will build student leadership skills. Students will learn management and leadership skills, communication skills, critical thinking skills and project management skills. Students will have the opportunity to apply these skills through various leadership activities. These leadership opportunities may include, but are not limited to, leadership seminars, conferences, industry presentations, classroom presentations and agriculture ambassador programs at the local, regional and state level.
AG 125 Principles of Pesticide Use 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Covers federal and California pesticide laws, safety, application equipment and types of pesticides. Includes basic information for use in preparation for state pesticide certification.

Agriculture

Abee, Charles - Ag Technology & Plant Science
A.S., College of Sequoias
B.S., California State University, Fresno

Cooper, Shannan - Agricultural Business Management
B.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
M.B.A., California State University, Fresno

Fernandez, Fernando - Ornamental Horticulture
A.S., Kings River Community College
B.S., California State University, Fresno
M.S., California State University, Fresno

Ferry-Abee, Allison, Ph.D.
B.S., California State University, Fresno
Ph.D., University of California, Davis

McKeith, Russell - Animal Science
B.S., Southern Illinois University
M.S., University Of Georgia
M.S., Texas A&M University

Pitigliano, Kimberly - Animal Science/Equine Science
B.S., California State University, Fresno
M.Ed., National University

Thompson, Kyle, Ph.D.
B.S., California State University, Fresno
M.S., Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
Ph.D., Oklahoma State University, Stillwater